Before and after: bevor and nachdem
Nachdem means after; bevor means before. Both introduce verb-final clauses. In a past narrative, an earlier completed nachdem event often uses Plusquamperfekt while the later event uses Präteritum.
Understand the idea
Time clauses order events relative to each other. Nachdem marks an event completed before the main-clause event. Bevor introduces an event that comes afterwards. The correct tenses depend on the timeline, not simply on the presence of a particular connector.
Build it step by step
For an earlier completed past event, nachdem often pairs Plusquamperfekt with a past main clause. Other time relationships use other tense combinations. Bevor keeps its finite verb at the end as well. If a time clause stands first, remember the main-clause verb-second pattern after it.
See it in a sentence
Nachdem wir gegessen hatten, gingen wir spazieren.
Nachdem er bezahlt hatte, verließ er den Laden.
A useful memory aid
Draw the order of events before choosing tenses. Then read your connector as after or before to check that you have not reversed the story.
A common trap
Do not use Plusquamperfekt mechanically after every time connector. First determine which event is earlier and which point in time the narrative is using.